hahahaha I'll Try! J

Hi Terri. Since you've tried WW before, you know it is what it is and it is what you make it. I think it's a great way to eat for life, I lost 110+ lbs on it before I had my baby [now 3] and got sick, and I had always planned to rejoin again around my 6 month post-op mark. I joined about 3 weeks ago, have had 2 weigh ins [I think I've lost over 8lbs in that time, but honestly, I don't look at the numbers much] and two meetings. I didn't like the leader in the first meeting, but the one I found last week seemed good. I had thought when I joined that I would only stay a month to collect all the materials again, and then do it on my own, but I am realizing the power of having a live support group. Granted, it is not WLS support and none of them know what other things I have to deal with [like yesterday I couldn't come close to getting all the points in], and some of their rules I can't apply to me [I think their recommended daily water is 32-48 ounces, I need double that]. But it's still a support group, a place where there is a meeting of the minds in eating well to lose weight and be healthy, but it's weekly support and there is a great deal of comfort in that structure [for me]. I *do* think it's often tricky to find a meeting that is tolerable [I find a lot of the pomp and cir****tance annoying], but I *do* think I've found one, so it can be done. It is CERTAINLY easier to follow WW with this tool we have. And it's made me have a better consciousness of my choices than I did with FitDay. With FitDay I just tracked what I ate ... my portions are already smaller so I didn't really think about the quality of the choices [except high protein] ... with WW I think about the points ahead of time, as I go to take a bite of Lo Mein, I think, "do I really want to have those points or would I be more satisfied with something with less points?" Sometimes I think the points ARE worth it, sometimes I don't ... but I am definitely thinking more about the food that goes into my mouth. I don't know if this is much help, or how much support I can really offer as far as a kick in the butt [I can't get myself motivated to exercise, so if I can ever figure out where to get motivation from, I would surely share!] Good luck with whatever you decide, I really think everyone has to find what works for them, and IMO it's always good to change things around every once in a while [WW has two different plans now, the points and another plan called Core that you don't really count points]. If I can help in any other way, you know I will. xosm

WOW YOU LOOK GREAT GIRL FRIEND!!!!!! Keep it up J

on my oh web page and on myspace check it out myspace.com/jewels5872

I swear, I hear you on this!! I just recently visited Pittsburgh with a friend of mine and we went out to eat at the All You Can Eat piiza place called CiCi's. Irolled my eyes and was like, "Great!!" Sometimes, it's like my friends don't get it; all you can eat buffets are stupid for me b/c pretty much I'm paying one price to eat less than one plate of food. I usually (and did this time) show my card and get the kids price. I only paid $3.17 (with tax) for my meal. I chose 2 cups of salad (yes, I measure!), about 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, and an ounce of bacon. I dressed it with blue cheese dressing and sprinkled a couple sliced olives on top. I ate the toppings (protein) first and then enjoyed my salad. I couldn't even eat the whole salad. I also had some pizza toppings, but I blotted the heck out of them b/c they were greasy. My guy friend sitting next to me said, "Wow, Jen, I don't think I've seen you eat that much since surgery!" I was like, "Shut up!" But seriously, density is everything: a 1/4 cup chicken will fill me up faster than 3/4 cup pumpkin mousse or 1/4 cottage cheese. So, I just weigh and measure everything and I try to make myself stay in the boundaries. I love it! I enjoy this way of eating and hope that I can keep it up, so I can pass on to my kids better eating habits! Jen Halliday